Since the legalization of recreational cannabis sales in Maine five years ago, the industry has surged, reaching nearly $500 million. However, as the number of cannabis businesses increases in both urban centers and rural areas, some municipalities are taking measures to regulate the expanding market. Recently, Presque Isle, which has the highest concentration of cannabis businesses in northern Maine, implemented a moratorium on new licenses for up to 12 months. This pause allows the town to reassess its regulations regarding marijuana enterprises.
Similarly, the Androscoggin County town of Turner opted for a moratorium in November, motivated by concerns surrounding a cultivation facility that has been the site of 25 police incidents, including a homicide, over the past three years. Just north in Livermore Falls, local officials are considering a similar moratorium as they evaluate potential restrictions on cannabis operations. These three towns are among those with the highest number of cannabis businesses per capita in the state.
To understand the landscape of cannabis businesses in Maine, an analysis of current licensing data from the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy was conducted. This analysis categorizes cannabis businesses as those licensed to cultivate, manufacture, or sell marijuana and related products under the state’s medical and adult use programs. Notably, most licensed caregivers operate under the medical use program, accounting for approximately 75% of the nearly 1,800 licensed entities, or about 1,344 businesses.
In terms of sheer numbers, Portland, Maine’s largest city, tops the list with 71 cannabis businesses. Other significant urban areas such as Auburn, Bangor, and Sanford follow closely behind. An intriguing outlier is Berwick, a town with a population of fewer than 8,000, which hosts 32 cannabis businesses, including six retail locations and 26 cultivation or manufacturing facilities.
Interestingly, Moro Plantation, a diminutive community with just 44 residents, has the highest number of cannabis businesses per capita, consisting of three caregiver cultivation facilities. For a more balanced view, the analysis filtered out smaller towns, focusing on those with populations of at least 1,500 and 5,000 residents. Among smaller towns, Parsonsfield, also on the New Hampshire border, boasts one cannabis business for every 89 residents, totaling 20 businesses, with 19 caregiver cultivation licenses and one adult use store.
Livermore Falls, which has 12 cannabis businesses in a town of 3,000, also ranks high in this regard. In communities with populations exceeding 5,000, Berwick and Turner have the most licensed businesses, while Lebanon and New Gloucester are not far behind. Presque Isle ranks 30th on this list, positioned between Portland and other notable towns like Bangor, Westbrook, and Brunswick.
As Maine continues to navigate the complexities of its cannabis industry, local governments are balancing community concerns with the economic benefits of this burgeoning market. The decisions made in towns like Presque Isle, Turner, and Livermore Falls may set important precedents for the state’s cannabis landscape moving forward.
